If you own an original, vintage, collectible rifle or a modern replica, it only makes sense that you’d want a scope to match its period aesthetics. Often times, a vintage scope, in good condition, can be as hard to find and as dear as the rifle you put it on. To serve this collector market, Leatherwood/Hi-Lux introduced their W.M. Malcolm line of target scopes.

Malcolm scopes utilize modern C&C construction methods, materials, along with modern optics and coatings. I saw their newest scopes at Shot Show 2022 but got a hands-on demonstration back home from my friend Mike at the Coyote Point Rifle and Pistol Club. He recently purchased a 20x Malcolm scope for a 1950’s vintage BSA Martini International Target 22LR.

This scope was a replica of Unertl scopes made from the 1930’s-2008. Rather than turrets that manipulate internal lenses, Unertl scopes use a unique mount, with turrets that move the entire scope tube within its brackets. While precise, its external mechanism is exposed to the elements and the environment; a design not known for ruggedness or durability when abused.

Despite the Unertl’s design quirks, it is able to retain zero on large caliber and magnum rifles. Legendary Marine Corps sniper Sgt. Hathcock utilized a Unertl scope on one of his sniper rifles. He was credited for 93 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War.

Looking through the scope, I was surprised at how sharp the image was. Looking at at the USAF Optical Resolution chart, at 100 yards, I was able to make out vertical and horizontal lines down to Element 1 of Group 0. This level of detail was comparable to a $2500 Leupold Mark 5, I recently reviewed.

Part of the reason for its optical performance was due to it being a fixed 20x power scope. Variable power scopes can have chromatic aberrations, darkening, or distorted image due to the additional lenses required to shift magnification. A fixed power scope does have limits to its field of view and versatility. But mounted to a long-distance target rifle and shooting 100 yrd. bullseye, a fixed power scope isnt’ at a disadvantage.

Annoyingly the original edit of the video was erroneously rejected by YouTube’s staff reviewers, categorizing its content as “Firearms Modification.” But by their own definition: “Modifications” refer to anything that interferes, enhances or changes the internal functioning of the product, as well as hair triggers, bump stocks, and explosive/incendiary ammunition, or other attachments such as thermal/infrared sights or large capacity magazines. Anyone with basic firearms understanding would see that the video does not depict any internal modifications of any sort, nor are any of the other cited issues presented. I have had to re-upload a lengthy explanation section to educated YouTube staff.

Available on Optics Planet: https://shrsl.com/3hp4u

Information on the BSA Martini International rifles: https://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_Martini_International_Mks.I_and_II.html